Many of our supporters are well aware of Assist International's journey from the back bedroom of our house to what it has now become. Others will be amazed by the massive amount of high-tech medical equipment, water purification systems, new shoes and clothes and other items that are stored and distributed through our warehouse now, and you may ask yourself, "What role do I play now that Assist has grown so much?"
It was easy in the early days to see how your volunteerism was needed and what kind of impact it made, but now with so many large donations of equipment and shoes and so many large scale development projects through major corporations like GE, it would be easy to start wondering if your donation is needed or appreciated. We thank you for the role you played in helping us get where we are today, and want to tell you how you continue to play a vital role.
Our Executive Vice President, Tim Reynolds, made the following comments at the dedication event:
"Allow me to give you a couple of examples; the first in shoe donations. We recently received a donation of approximately $300,000 dollars worth of new shoes delivered to our warehouse. But large corporate donations of product, delivered to our warehouse in Ripon, doesn't put shoes on the feet of children without your general support. It's your sometimes small donation that allows Assist to support organizations that know the families, screen them for their needs, help receive the shipments, and assist us with distribution. It's the difference between opening a fire hose in an empty field and handing the thirsty a cup of cold water. It's your donation that keeps not just Assist International going, but supports multiple other organizations helping them take steps they can't take on their own. Assist is their 'touch stone' to donors in the U.S.
"A second example is found in Uganda. General support of Assist International positioned us to be in Uganda at the right time to make a significant difference. Private donations to Assist bought the property for the AOET Family Village. Private donors and individual churches have built the 16 homes. The founder of a large corporation provided most of the funding for the High School, a donor from GE provided funding for the roof of an elementary school, and Rotary Clubs undertook a patient monitoring project at the local hospital, multiplying the initial offerings of a church in Eugene. GE came alongside to do a new Operating Theatre and anesthesia equipment, which moved the ministry of health to build a new ICU/CCU unit.
"In short, when you give to Assist, your funds are multiplied 5-10 times before hitting the ground. If you gave that same money straight to the organization in a foreign country, it just doesn't have the same leverage; not to mention the oversight, feedback and accountability that Assist is able to provide. When you support Assist it is like buying the best mutual fund in the world. You buy stock and invest in an organization that is doing good all over the world. Your support truly puts your fingerprints on projects all over the world and generates the power of partnership at its best. Glad to be on the journey with you."
Tim's comments are worth noting. Thanks for your continued partnership and support.
Assist International has Become a Premier Infrastructure Provider ... Changing lives with items as simple as clean water and shoes or as amazing as a state-of-the-art ICU.
In the East African nation of Uganda, Assist International installed a new state of the art ICU monitoring system at the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (a 500 bed facility serving four million). The installation included training for the medical and bio-medical staff and a full year consumable package. When the General Electric Company found out we were doing the ICU they offered to partner by completely upgrading the surgical theater with new equipment. Assist also outfitted a medical clinic with two patient monitors, an ultrasound, photo therapy light and a pulse oximeter.
Another facet of this trip to Uganda involved 2500 pairs of new shoes for the children of AOET. Additionally, new shoes were given to 400 former LRA "girl soldiers," abducted for sex slaves and the 150 children among them. Several hundred pairs of new shoes will be distributed at an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp.
The extremes in hardship, potential, expanded capacity and overwhelming need are still very fresh in our minds. We met with corporate executives, governmental leaders, pastors, Rotarians, hospital personnel and people just like you who try to live their lives as caring and productive people.
After years of struggle, clean water was found. From the pump house, pipes were laid to a storage tank. The lines to AOET village homes and gardens have been completed. The commissioning was attended by members of the Mukono Rotary Club, local officials and AOET residents.
Assist International Commissions its Distribution Center
Bob Pagett (far left) and Ripon Mayor Chuck Winn (next to Bob) cut the ribbon on Assist's Distribution Center. Board Member Howard Bowles and Executive VP Tim Reynolds hold the ribbon.
(Above, Far Left) AG Superintendent Jim Braddy presents Bob Pagett with an achievement award.
(Above, Left) Executive Vice President Tim Reynolds tells the attendees how Assist International is accomplishing its mission in our world.
(Above, Right) Lars Hornberg, Founder of Caminul Felix Orphan Village in Romania, was introduced by Bob Pagett and spoke to the many who attended the commissioning of the Distribution Center. Lars is a long-standing partner of Assist International and its 19 year history.
(Above, Far Right) Sue Marcellas, the Public Relations Director of SVMHS, Sam Downing, the Executive Director and President of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Paula Downing are pictured with Bob Pagett at the commissioning celebration. The hospital presented a CONGRATULATIONS BROCHURE in honor of the occasion. SVMHS medical teams have volunteered for the last twelve years in medical projects around the world with Assist International.
To the left of Steve Savelich is a woman dedicated to caring for and rehabilitating those girls abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army and forced to become sex slaves and soldiers. Rose, (to Steve's right) is one such escapee who fled five years ago with her two children (ages four and two) an AK-47 over her shoulder and pregnant with her third child. Rose and her children now make their home in Gulu and were among the recipients of new shoes provided through Assist International thanks to the strong partnership of Soles4Souls and caring donors. Donations to Assist are one reason the vulnerable and hurting in our world are finding help and hope.
July/August 2009: Serving Humanity for 19 Years!
Dear Friends of Assist International,
We have all heard the words "making a difference" many times. What we need to understand is that there are many unknown people, people maybe known only to God, who have chosen to put their fingerprints on the needs of our time and have chosen to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
They possibly may never be in the headlines, but they will certainly one day be in the headlines of heaven as: PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY CHOICE, NOT BY COERCION. It is people who are motivated, in my view, by a higher calling. Two of these people are shown here in pictures taken on May 9 at the inauguration of the FELIX FAMILY VILLAGE in Surat, Thailand.
Lars Hornberg (below, right) of Sweden stands before one of two homes in Surat, (Thailand). These homes were funded by Jim Sankey (top right), a friend of Assist International and Caminul Felix. Lars Hornberg is the founder of Caminul Felix Ministries, a ministry Assist International has chosen to partner with since its beginning in 1990. It was a privilege as a member of the FELIX INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS to attend the inauguration of the FELIX FAMILY VILLAGE on May 9, 2009.
As a "stand in" for Jim Sankey, who could not be present, I cut the ribbon for one of the orphan homes with the mayor of Surat and Lars Hornberg.
In this email newsletter, we salute Lars, Jim and others who are making a difference. There are many people, young and old, over the nineteen years of our existence who have and are making a difference -- who have chosen to partner with Assist International as we are committed to HELPING HUMANITY ... A CHOICE.
As Jesus Christ once said, "As much as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me." Assist International has chosen to help "the least of these" and with your help, a difference is in the making.
Thank you for your partnership and thank you for helping us do what cannot be done without your help.
People Making a Difference -- Putting their Fingerprints on the Needs of our Time
Dr. Casey Culbertson is a Neonatal Pediatric Cardiologist from the Famous Oakland Children's Hospital.
Dr. Casey reports: "I have spent the last week in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as part of my work at the Nhi Dong # 1 Children's Hospital, supporting their Cardiology and CT surgery program.
Once considered a "backward" cardiology center, thanks to the help of Assist International and the machines supplied and with a bit of training, it has become the GOLD STANDARD of Pediatric Cardiology and CT surgery in Ho Chi Minh City, South Vietnam and the region of South East Asia. I can now take several of their Cardiology Doctors trained on these machines provided by Assist and put them up against any Pediatric Cardiologist in the world. Thank you again for supporting my program.
The ultrasound machines Assist provided made a huge difference in the lives of so many. When I first arrived in Vietnam, we did around 1700 outpatients a year. Add one machine and the 2007 number jumped to 4900 patients -- with the 2nd machine last year (2008) we served 7700 patients; truly an explosive and dramatic increase.
I wish you could come to Vietnam and see what these wonderful machines have done in the lives of children with heart disease; and what they have done for the wonderful and amazing doctors who take care of them.
I would consider it a real privilege to show you around Nhi Dong #1 so you could see what has happened with your help."
Thank you,
Dr. Culbertson
Roadside Intervention Changes the Future for a Young Boy
"A couple of months ago one of our technicians noticed two ladies and a young boy on the roadside. The boy (Robert) had crutches and no leg. Our technician picked them up and brought them to Theranova. Robert's mother tearfully explained that he had gone to help his father in the field and a short time later she heard his screams.
The horse had grabbed her son by his leg, shaken him like a rag doll and then flung him about 5 meters. Rushed to the closest hospital, indifferent doctors prescribed ointment and sent them home. Not long after this a huge infection developed.
Robert was taken to a Cluj hospital where saving his life required amputating his leg. The result was not only a life on crutches, but their very active boy became bitter and ill-tempered. This hard-working but poor family was completely out of options for their son.
We were able to fit him with a prosthesis, and now Robert walks without pain and without crutches. This is why Theranova exists -- to help people just like him! Thank you Assist International for your partnership, which enables us and the futures of so many."
Jaco du Plessis is a South African who has given his life to help the poor and needy of Romania. (pictured here with Robert)
You Need to Meet Lucy
"She left a husband who repeatedly beat her, she has six children, and she is the firstborn ... which means that she is expected to care for her aging parents.
In addition, her three sisters are all with too many children and have no husbands (polygamy is HUGE in this area, and men take wives, make babies, and then abandon them to fend for themselves).
Through the Women's Empowerment Fund, as well as the Oven Project, Lucy's life is transformed, literally. She is SUCH an incredible businesswoman.
She is making bricks, planting on her land, and in addition, she goes every night and bakes 300 scones and 100 queen cakes at the oven.
She gets up at 5 a.m. and wholesales them to ladies around the area, so she makes money, and they also make money, because they have something to sell that other people cannot provide.
Just from the scones and queen cakes, she has gross sales of $31 USD a day. (Many poverty stricken women live on $2 USD a day.)
She is so inspired and grateful, and I wanted you all to know, that you are making it happen, and changing lives in deep, amazing, and forever kind of ways.
She feels God's love, she has hope where she never had hope before. Her children and many others are no longer hungry, and they are taking positive, and I believe, long-lasting steps out of poverty!"
Our School Head Mistress (Principal) is shown in a meeting with the local Sheiks (and standing in front of the classrooms under construction).
We informed them that we wanted the school to be for both boys and girls. They responded that in their culture it must be one or the other.
We responded that we really want it to be for both, but if we must choose only one, then we pick girls.
They thought about it for a few days and responded, "Okay, it can be for both."
Usually, when a family is under stress (and these IDP families are under a lot of stress), the girls drop out of school.
With the school immediately next to the camp, this enables girls and boys to access and continue their education. The UN states that five successive years are required to break illiteracy.
Our partners are people who want to make a difference and who want to come alongside Assist International and say, "I believe this is an avenue by which I can put my fingerprints on the needs of our time."
With God's help we are making a difference. This year we were awarded the top 4 star award by Charity Navigator, which monitors over 3500 humanitarian organizations in the US. They say, "Assist International executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America." In their rating announcement letter to us, they also said, "This 'exceptional' designation differentiates Assist International from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."
What we need are more partners who say, "Yes, I believe in the ministry of Assist International, and I am willing to have them be my representative in projects around the world that make a difference."
We have been blessed in so many ways through the eighteen years of our existence and as our nineteenth year begins. We've completed over eighty (80) medical projects in forty-two (42) countries around the world. We can't really know how many lives have been saved as a result. Also, these endeavors have inspired and deepened peace and understanding in Muslim countries as Americans come and help.
Our assignment in addressing the needs of this world has taken us to dangerous areas like Kabul, Afghanistan, Israel and in some of the poorest and neediest places on our planet.
Yet, for westerners working in these troubled and dangerous places, these great gifts of outstanding critical care medical equipment and training ensure their capacity to stay in country and continue the essential work they are doing. Many times when American workers are involved in these projects it inspires the national authorities to renew their visas and to see them as they are, friends of the people. A tangible act of love and mercy which saves the lives of the children and residents and enables the medical staff to work at their best levels, brings understanding and affirmation in powerful ways. Some Egyptian doctors on loan to the Islamic Republic of Djibouti highlight this great dynamic.
One evening, during the installation, we took the Egyptian doctor working with us as our translator to dinner (we also included his wife and two children). About halfway through our meal he stood and asked for the attention of the entire team. "You're the first Americans I've ever met," he said. Then, he teared up and continued, "And you're nothing like I thought you would be."
I could go on and on with saving children through our work in orphanages in Romania and Africa. However, the point of this is: THESE ACHIEVEMENTS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN DONE BY ASSIST INTERNATIONAL ALONE. THERE IS A POWER IN PARTNERSHIPS. We know that when two work together it is ten times more powerful than one working alone. We have found this to be universally true, and as a result, Assist rightfully gives the credit to the many organizations, companies, churches and individuals who have partnered with us over the years. THERE IS POWER IN PARTNERSHIPS! On most of our projects Assist takes little or no credit for what's been done. All the credit goes to the hospital, organization or partners we're working with no matter where we are; Tibet, Sudan, Sri Lanka or Djibouti. For example, when we partner with Rotary International, we are happiest when Rotary gets the credit.
ASSIST INTERNATIONAL IS CALLED TO GIVE AND SERVE ... AND THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY FOR US TO DO THIS IS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS.
So, from the individuals who support us to hospitals, companies and organizations, we would never have accomplished all this without your help. However you view your relationship with Assist, we view you as an essential partner. Thank you for all you've done.
The power of partnerships has once again lifted the healthcare system of this region to an unprecedented height, saving lives and enabling medical staff to do their very best work.
David Harington (pictured far left), a part of Assist International's first ever medical project at the University of Cluj Medical Center Cardiology Hospital in 1992, was the Chief of Biomedical Engineering at New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. He also is one of the founders of AAMI, the Association for the Advancement Of Medical Instrumentation, the largest annual conference for medical companies, hospital biomeds and leaders to meet together and be exposed to the very latest medical technology. To the right of David is Sam Downing, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, who this past year won the award as the best hospital administrator of California. He also sat on President Clinton's Health Advisory Board.
We Welcome a New VP of Communications: Steve Savelich
We are so very pleased to announce a new addition to our already outstanding team. Steve Savelich (pictured with his wife Jan) has joined our Ripon, California Office and Distribution Center as our Vice President of Communications.
This is a brand new position for Assist made necessary by the growth of our partnerships and outreach platforms. Steve comes to us with a wealth of experience and a wide range of capacities.
Over 97% of all donations go directly to the need on the ground. Thank you for your timely and heartfelt gift.
February 2009 -- THE SUDAN : Assist International Building Schools in Southern Darfur
Assist team member Steve Savelich reports from the Southern Darfur region of Sudan, where he stayed in one of the IDP camps near the city of Nyala
With over 36,000 inhabitants, the majority of them Darfurians, the Deraige IDP camp houses thousands of children seeking refuge from the war-torn countryside. Families forced to flee their homes see the IDP as a temporary situation, but with the continued genocide in Darfur, many of the internally displaced children will end up spending their entire childhood in the camp.
Steve met with Assist International's partner in the region, EDOOS (Educational Development Organization of Sudan), a local NGO that has started a much-needed school in the camp in order to give the children access to education and provide stability in their lives during this time of fear and uncertainty. "We now know that providing education for children caught up in armed conflicts must be a top priority as it provides a sense of normalcy and routine during a time of extreme emotional hardship," said Steve. The minimum period required for achieving basic literacy is five years of primary education -- a goal that EDOOS is striving to provide.
Initially working with 180 children in different classes, EDOOS was able to build two additional, temporary classrooms in 2007 to allow for a total of 259 children. In February 2008, at the end of the academic year, 212 of the 259 children had been advanced to the next class level. EDOOS and its teaching staff (all university trained residents of Nyala) hope to add a grade each year so that eventually all five primary grades are taught.
The teachers' salaries are currently funded through February 2009 by a grant from Chicago University. EDOOS' Program Coordinator, Lawrence Towongo Kalisto Lokosang is in negotiation with the Ministry of Education and is asking that the Ministry commit to cover the staff salaries (equivalent to $150 USD per month) in order to ensure the continuation and sustainability of the school.
EDOOS is also working towards the construction of new classrooms as the rain and hot wind from June to September makes class in the temporary "lean-to" classrooms nearly impossible. They are hoping to hire local residents to work with the contractor in order to boost the local economy and instill the school with a sense of community ownership.
Steve is hopeful and encouraged by the progress of the children at the EDOOS school. "EDOOS is playing a vital and effective role in empowering the children of Deraige IDP Camp. As victims of war and genocide, these families face continuous obstacles that obstruct and disable the childhood and future of their children. This school is working hard to overcome such obstacles and the results are already indicating that the children and community are benefiting tremendously."
December 8, 2008 -- Dear Friends of Assist International:
As 2008 begins to wind down, my heart is full of gratitude for all that has been accomplished through the support of so many. Thank you for all you've done to empower the lives of the most vulnerable among us, and for the privilege of partnering with you as responsible and compassionate citizens of the world. I am always amazed at how far resources can go when placed in capable and caring hands.
What stands out to me is that the GIFTS that many have given, keep on giving; such as in 2008: 4 schools in Uganda; 1 school in Darfur, Sudan; new homes in Lira and Jinja, Uganda; a playground and soccer field in Jinja, Uganda; medical projects in Africa... Cluj, Romania... Taojiang, China; power, water and medical projects in Central America and throughout 5 countries of Africa; our continued support to Caminul Felix in Oradea, Romania and JHOR in Timisoara, Romania... gifts that keep on giving.
During the holiday season, we all get gifts and we value them. If we are honest, many of the gifts that we receive are temporary and after so many months, even though we are grateful for the thought and the gift, often the gift has lost its "shelf life"!
Char and I are going to be giving gifts to our family and friends, because in the Spirit of Christmas, we want them to know that we love them and they are meaningful to us. However, we are also investing in Assist International because we believe that clean water, education, a safe and stable family, life-saving medical equipment, vocational training or the medicine which keeps a mom or a dad alive and productive are all gifts that really do keep on giving. Together we have the opportunity, responsibility and joy of giving these gifts which lift the lives of thousands beyond mere existence.
In 2009, Assist International is committed to doing more than in any previous year. I invite you to join me and my family in adding such a gift to your shopping list for the season. Your contribution to Assist International (large or small marked "gifts that keep on giving") will uniquely and powerfully touch the vulnerable of our world, bringing relief and the continuing gift of a hopeful and productive future.
Above all, Happy Holidays to you and may 2009 be filled with Blessings, Grace and Mercies on your life for this coming New Year.
With Warmest Regards,
Bob Pagett,
Founder & President
Assist International
www.assistinternational.org
(831) 438-4582
***
Over 97% of all donations go directly to the need on the ground. Thank you for your timely and heartfelt gift.
June 2008 -- Assist International and GE Send Water Purification Systems to China
Assist International and GE -- long a valued partner of our international relief agency -- worked together to send three water purification systems to aid victims of the May 12 earthquake that devastated the region of Sichuan Province, in central China.
The water filtration systems were specifically earmarked for installation in small villages in the mountainous region near Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan Province. They will ensure safe drinking water for students and villagers struggling to cope with the effects of the earthquake.
Official figures state that the 7.9 earthquake killed nearly 70,000 people, including 68,636 in Sichuan Province. Many of them were children who were trapped in their schools.
Witnesses reported scores of dead and injured children being hauled away from the rubble, and news reports later showed devastated parents holding photos of their dead children.
Sichuan Province hasn't enjoyed the economic boom that much of China has in recent years, and the remote villages around Chengdu are especially struggling following the disaster.
"It doesn't matter where you come from or what language you speak, the tragedy in Sichuan Province was felt by billions around the world," said Assist International President Bob Pagett. "The pictures carried by the news into all of our homes touched a raw nerve ... we will never forget the anguish on the faces of the parents who learned their family members were killed in the earthquake," Pagett said.
One system was installed for a Kindergarten Facility; one installed in a local high school; and one provided for the villagers in a community center. All together, the three systems will give fresh potable water to thousands of Sichaun Province residents for many years to come.
"Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families for enduring one of the worst natural disasters in recent memory. In addition to other aid supplies and in conjunction with our partners at GE, we hope that these water purification systems will provide some measure of relief to those working to repair their damaged homes and communities," Pagett said.
May 2008 -- Assist International and Enzi Imports Spends 10 Days in Uganda
Assist International and Enzi Imports spent 10 days in Uganda to continue their support for AOET and to empower the women and children in the Jinja villages. A.I. plans to fund and offer support for three upcoming projects in these villages.
The first project is the construction of a water well that will provide potable drinking water to the villagers. Rotary drilling machines will be used to drill hundreds of feet below to the water table. A surface seal will protect against contamination and allow the families access to safe and clean water. The location of the well has been scouted out and drilling will begin soon.
The second project is the funding of a much needed High School near the villages in Jinja. AOET has had to operate high school education in rented facilities for the past 8 years. Through the support of Assist International and individual donors, teenagers will soon be roaming the halls of the high school and receive not only an education but a safe mentoring atmosphere to help them grow and prepare for college and the job market.
The third project the funding and building of an internet cafe. Together, Assist International and Enzi Imports will fund, build and support the cafe that will serve as a source of income, create jobs and be used for vocational training. The women in the villages will sell necklace beads, napkin rings and pottery at the cafe.
Cheri Reynolds of Enzi Imports spent her days in the markets and slums of Jinja negotiating the best prices to maximize profits for the women and children who work very hard at their craft. She also wanted to help the local economy in Jinja. At one point, she found herself in a small shack buying 1,000 bags from some exuberant boys who have been out of work for 4 months due to the recent rioting in nearby Kenya.
Enzi Imports (Enzi is a Swahili verb meaning to "empower") sells some of the jewelry and stemware on their web site. They give 100% of all the profits and proceeds back to the women and children of Uganda. Visit www.enziimports.com for more information.
January 29, 2008:
Kenya Descends into Violence: One Terrible Month in Review (December 27, 2007 - January 28, 2008)
Friends and supporters of Assist International, as you may or may have not heard, civil unrest in Kenya has erupted and our partners there need our help.
The violence began after incumbent President Mwai Kibaki was declared winner of the country's (disputed) elections on December 27, 2007. Supporters of Kibaki's opponent, Raila Odinga, went on a rampage in several parts of the country, burning shacks, shops and cars, and killing many in the process. Simultaneously, it has been alleged that Kenyan police fatally fired upon demonstrators.
Chaos and fear has gripped the country. The anger stems from a belief that the vote counting was rigged by the electoral commission in Kibaki's favor. Kibaki was sworn in in a hastily-conducted ceremony at Nairobi State House, which was perceived as an attempt to preempt demands for a vote recount.
It has been reported by several sources that the death count is over 800. An additional 250,000 have fled, mostly to neighboring Uganda. The largest single loss of life was when an Assemblies of God church providing shelter from the violence to 200 people was set on fire by rioters, burning 35 people to death, most of them women and children. [Read the NY Times Article.]
Currently, Assist International is undergoing the building of a distribution center in Ripon (Central California). Last year we completed Phase I of this operation that helped us increase the amount of donated goods we could accept.
Now we are in the process of building Phase II to provide additional space and to maximize your investment for the future of needy people around the world. The warehouse and offices will offer a good base of operation in order to ship donated goods to wherever Assist projects are underway.
Every worthy organization needs a solid foundation, and we now have an efficient point of collection and distribution.
Without the prayers and financial contributions of our supporters, the much-needed distribution center would not be possible. The support we receive at home helps accomplish the projects oversees.
Thank you and God Bless!
Bob Pagett,
Founder & President
Assist International
PS: We invite you to browse our blogs and videos below to get more information on the daily progress of our efforts. And, as always, feel free to contact us to let us know your thoughts, prayers, ideas and more!
Overview of Assist International Projects: Read the details on the latest projects. Also features comments from hospital staff, volunteers, school administrators, and more.
Reynolds Africa Adventure: Cheri Reynolds blogged while the Reynolds family lived in Africa to be closer to Tim. Her writing is funny, fresh and widely requested by donors and partners alike.
Assist International traveled to China to install cardiac care equipment in the Toajing County Hospital in May, 2008. Rotary International and GE graciously donated the equipment, and we want to thank them for their continued partnership in our work.
Toajing County Hospital is a referral hospital to 850,000 people who reside in the city and roughly 2 million more in the surrounding area. Dr. Chang, a Cardiologist at the hospital, helped train local doctors and nurses on using the new equipment, which included six GE Dash Monitors that measure vital signs. This equipment is certain to save lives and give hope to people in the region suffering from heart-related illnesses.
Your donations helped pave the way for this important piece of equipment, and we want to thank you for your partnership in our mission, too.
COUNTRY: Honduras DATE: March 2008 FILMED BY:Tim Reynolds
Tim Reynolds and his team of "heavy lifters" construct two buildings and install water purification systems to be used by two hospitals in La Esperanza and Gracias.
Potable water is a very important part of humanitarian work, and sometimes overlooked. It is a very effective way to boost a region's health and prosperity.
Special thanks to GE for the equipment (good thing we didn't actually drop it, 1:30). Your donations paid for the building materials, the freight and the local labor. So thank you, too.
COUNTRY: Uganda DATE: January 2008 FILMED BY: PATH Ministries (partner)
This video shows the great work that PATH Ministries and Assist International are doing together in Northern Uganda. Otina Waa Children's Village, just outside of Lira, is home to hundreds of rescued boys and girls from regional IDP camps.
Our partners are people who want to make a difference and who want to come alongside Assist International and say, "I believe this is an avenue by which I can put my fingerprints on the needs of our time."
Historic Note
David Harington (pictured far left), a part of Assist International's first ever medical project at the University of Cluj Medical Center Cardiology Hospital in 1992, was the Chief of Biomedical Engineering at New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. He also is one of the founders of AAMI, the Association for the Advancement Of Medical Instrumentation, the largest annual conference for medical companies, hospital biomeds and leaders to meet together and be exposed to the very latest medical technology. To the right of David is Sam Downing, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, who this past year won the award as the best hospital administrator of California. He also sat on President Clinton's Health Advisory Board.
We Welcome a New VP of Communications: Steve Savelich
Steve met with Assist International's partner in the region, EDOOS (Educational Development Organization of Sudan), a local NGO that has started a much-needed school in the camp in order to give the children access to education and provide stability in their lives during this time of fear and uncertainty. "We now know that providing education for children caught up in armed conflicts must be a top priority as it provides a sense of normalcy and routine during a time of extreme emotional hardship," said Steve. The minimum period required for achieving basic literacy is five years of primary education -- a goal that EDOOS is striving to provide.
The teachers' salaries are currently funded through February 2009 by a grant from Chicago University. EDOOS' Program Coordinator, Lawrence Towongo Kalisto Lokosang is in negotiation with the Ministry of Education and is asking that the Ministry commit to cover the staff salaries (equivalent to $150 USD per month) in order to ensure the continuation and sustainability of the school.
Official figures state that the 7.9 earthquake killed nearly 70,000 people, including 68,636 in Sichuan Province. Many of them were children who were trapped in their schools.
Now we are in the process of building Phase II to provide additional space and to maximize your investment for the future of needy people around the world. The warehouse and offices will offer a good base of operation in order to ship donated goods to wherever Assist projects are underway.
